Making Space for Purposeful Play

Making Space for Purposeful Play

Making Space for Purposeful Play

Kevin Young

Kevin Young

Wētā FX

55 min

About the Talk

Kevin Young isn’t satisfied with a project unless he can push the medium forward—whether through the thoughtful application of new technology, a fresh interaction, or a playful experiment that sparks conversation. He believes the best ideas emerge from exploration, and making space for this requires intention, persistence, and sometimes a little rule-bending.

In this talk, Kevin breaks down the practical ways he integrates purposeful play into his process. He shares how small, quick prototypes help test ideas, gather feedback, and build both team confidence and client trust. He also reveals the tools and techniques that help him balance creativity with structure, make creative breakthroughs, and pursue innovation—even under tight deadlines.

🔹 About Kevin Young Kevin Young is an award-winning Creative Director and Creative Technologist specializing in interactive media and immersive experiences. His work spans projects for The Guardian, Samsung, Ford, and Hyundai, with showcases at Sundance, TriBeCa, The White House, The Future of Storytelling, and CES.

Starting in the London music industry, he built digital experiences for bands like Oasis and The Mighty Boosh before moving into film and TV marketing, creating interactive campaigns for Disney, HBO, and Lionsgate.

As The Mill London’s first Head of Creative Technology, he led a diverse range of award-winning projects. Now based in Wellington, New Zealand, Kevin is part of Wētā FX’s Special Projects team, where he leads Creative Technology initiatives, exploring new ways technology can bring stories to life.